6 Crucial things to Consider Before Getting Injections

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Dermal fillers and neurotoxin wrinkle injections are the top two most popular minimally invasive cosmetic procedures in Ireland and worldwide. Thinking about getting some work done? Before you make an appointment, read these six important factors to keep in mind before calling that number.

1. Who’s injecting me

Ninety percent of the success of these kinds of cosmetic treatments depends on who is doing them, the remaining 10 percent is dependent on the product. Think of it this way: If you got a bad hairdo, would you blame the scissors or your hairdresser? Word of mouth is the best way to find an injector. If you know someone who looks amazing (and you know they’ve gone under the needle), ask who they go to. But with so many people offering fillers and other injections these days (beauticians, nurses, dentists, your neighbour and her biannual Botox party), it’s extremely important to inquire about credentials. He or she mightn’t necessarily be a full-fledged doctor. But be sure to ask how long they’ve been doing aesthetic injections and how they were trained. Ask to see before-and-after pictures of patients they’ve done, not just those from a brochure for the product. Book an appointment for a consultation first. A no obligation consultation gives you the opportunity to discuss your desires and expectations, and to take some time to think about it before you return for the actual procedure.

2. Cheap for a reason

You get what you pay for when it comes to cosmetic injections. While prices vary depending on the exact product used and where you live, fillers typically range from €250 to €900 per syringe. In other words, a quick deal for €100 dermal filler is a red flag; you might end up on an episode of Botched. At your consultation, discuss your budget and see if it’s in line with what your injector recommends. Patients come in having saved enough money for one injection, but often they need more than that. You’ll get the best results if you wait until you can afford to pay for a complete treatment.

3. Your expectations

Even if you really want Kris’s cheekbones or Kylie’s lips, bringing snaps of your favourite celeb’s isn’t for the most part helpful. Find a picture of yourself when you loved the way you looked, and bring that to your appointment. A photo of yourself in your prime might be especially helpful, as your face was at its fullest then. This gives you a more realistic point of reference and will also help me better understand how to enhance your natural features. Even if you’re going in because there’s just one nasty wrinkle bothering you, be open to suggestions. As a cosmetic doctor I see your face in a three-dimensional way that’s entirely different from how you see it. As long as you’re seeing someone who is properly trained, be willing to take on board their recommendations, even if they’re not something you initially thought of.

4. The actual product

There are many more dermal injectables available than you realise, and it’s important to educate yourself on the various options out there. Take neurotoxins for instance, despite the fact that Botox is a household name; it is not the only botulinum toxin out there. It’s like calling any vacuum cleaner a Hoover, even if it’s a completely different brand. Dysport, Azzalure, Bocouture, Mybloc and Xeomin are all botulinum toxin brands; while it’s essentially the same type of toxin, there are subtle differences between them. Some work faster some spread further and others hold stronger! A good doctor will stock all types for different patient needs.

There’s even more variety when it comes to fillers. The largest category is those that are made of hyaluronic acid, a substance that’s naturally occurring in the body and can hold multiple times its weight in water. Dermal fillers include Restylane, Juvéderm, Teosyal, Perfectha and Belotero. Despite the fact that they’re all made of the same thing, there are differences in the size and how the hyaluronic acid particles are linked together, ultimately resulting in different correction properties. Even within each of these brands there are variations. For example, along with Juvéderm there’s Juvéderm Volbella and Juvéderm Voluma, both of which have slightly different-size particles and are better for filling different areas of the face. Restylane has various fillers as well, Silk and Lyft. Ask your doctor exactly what is inside the syringe and why it was chosen over another option.

5. What to do before and after the injection

While injectables are minimally invasive and can be done in minutes, there are a few important things to keep in mind pre- and post-appointment. For toxin injections there’s nothing you need to do beforehand, and the only restrictions afterward are not exercising or stoop your head down for about four hours.
Fillers are a different story with after treatment swelling being prominent. After filler injections bruising and swelling are the most common injection site side effects, especially in sensitive areas like the lips. Schedule your filler appointments at least a week before a major event. I also suggest that you stop taking aspirin, green tea and fish-oil supplements two weeks prior to getting dermal filler injection, since all are blood thinners that can increase the likelihood of bruising and swelling.

6. How long the results will last

Multiple factors affect the durability of the results: the product used, how much was injected, where it was put in the face. As a general guideline, botulinum toxin lasts around four months, while hyaluronic acid fillers last anywhere from six to 18 months. So if you like the new looks, be prepared to make this another part of your beauty routine that will require some upkeep. And if you don’t like the results, keep in mind that hyaluronic acid fillers are reversible. A special enzyme can be injected that will dissolve the HA filler within a week. All good cosmetic doctors should be able to provide the enzyme. Toxins on the other hand are not. However, so it’s always better to ask for less and add more later. It’s common practice at Castleknock Cosmetic Clinic Dublin to have my first time patients to come back two weeks after their injection to reassess the results and touch up with more if needed (at no extra cost).

Dr Házem Kahlout
MB, BCh, MBCAM, LRCPI, LRCSI, BAO(NUI), DPM
Dr. Házem Kahlout is the Medical Director of Castleknock Cosmetic Clinic, Laser Surgery & Medical Aesthetics. He is a graduate of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 1989. He was trained in the use of medical aesthetics internationally at Harley Street, London, hands on by pillars of the industry.
He is a member of the:
Irish Association of Cosmetic Doctors (Founding Member)
British Association of Cosmetic Doctors (BACD)
American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM)
National Council of Laser Excellence (NCLE)
Union Internationale De Medicine Esthetique (UIME)
Certified Member of Network-Lipolysis
British Association of Body Sculpting, (BABS)
European Academy of Aesthetic Medicine
He is a fully registered practitioner with the Medical Council of Ireland and the General Medical Council in the UK.
Dr Kahlout practices aesthetic medicine as opposed to cosmetic surgery and all treatments are walk in/walk out without the need for general anesthetic or overnight hospital stay.
Castleknock Cosmetic Clinic was one of the first clinics in the Ireland to specifically focus on non invasive or minimally invasive aesthetic medical treatments.
In 2012 he was invited to be part of the cosmetic interventions working group that is consulting with HSE to improve standards with the cosmetic industry in Ireland.
Dr. Kahlout is an accredited Appraiser for the BACD and the General Medical Council in the UK overseeing the adequate performance of aesthetic doctors. Dr Kahlout has been practicing Aesthetic Medicine since 1998 and Castleknock Cosmetic Clinic was established in 2001.